Renovo again.........an alternative?

[RumbleBee]

After reading so many negative comments about Renovo Im pretty sure I dont want to risk it as my roof currently looks like new except for one mark (after putting a tyre in the boot with the roof). I think the roof was replaced (green mohair) a couple of years ago and I want to keep it looking mint and also waterproof. Is there an alternative to Renovo in green that I can use to preserve and protect my roof? Any tips on application would also be appreciated.

Many Thanks

[shropshire lad]

Have used Renovo 3 times ( black on black ) and can only say it works a treat. I have noticed that it needs to bed in a little . I did the full treatment on mine about a month a go and after a little time and after driving through heavy rain it looks perfect now.

[Zippee]

What negatives have you heard? Just about to do mine and want to know what I may be letting myself in for...

[steve-V8s]

I used the AutoGlym stuff as just wanted to ensure it was proofed rather than re-colour it. Seems to have worked very well. You get some cleaning stuff and then the proofing stuff in one kit. Did mine and I guess there is adequate left to do it a couple more times at least. Don’t know why but seem to think with all these treatments it is necessary to choose one and stick with it.

[blitzracing]

The negative stuff surrounds its poor colouring ability (the black in particular, its more like dark grey - Its also like emulsion paint) and the fact that you have to separatly proof it afterwards, that adds to the cost of an already expensive product.

[GJR]

I used Renovo last year and the reviver is pretty good. I used the Soft Top Canvas Cleaner first to clean the mohair (obviously!?!?) but I think it's also supposed to remove the current waterproofing, which can affect how the colour reviver goes on. As long as you follow the instructions carefully it's good. You'll probably need to do at least 2 coats, maybe more depending on the condition of the material... just make sure you buy enough so that you don't run out part way through the application.

I only had problems with colour matching between the new material on the targa panel I'd just recovered and the old original material on the header section. If you're using the colour reviver on both sections and they are covered in material of the same age and condition, I can't imagine there would be any noticable difference in colour....

G

Edited by GJR on Thursday 5th July 13:10

[RumbleBee]

Many thanks for your comments. Also heard about Thomsons as an alternative, anyone ever used it?

Thanks Again

[Bunglist]

RumbleBee said:

Many thanks for your comments. Also heard about Thomsons as an alternative, anyone ever used it?

Thanks Again

I find that a good clothes brush on it cleans the dust off.... well loosens it, then a good run over with a hoover, and I then use "Fabsil" which is designed for fabrics and sold in camping shops which seems to waterproof it very well and brings the blackness back to my roof making it look new.

However people on here seem to swear by Thomsons Water Seal but I seem to remember that it states on the tin that it is not supposed to be used on fabrics like tents and car softtops, but only for brickwork like it was designed.

[Zippee]

Bunglist said:

However people on here seem to swear by Thomsons Water Seal but I seem to remember that it states on the tin that it is not supposed to be used on fabrics like tents and car softtops, but only for brickwork like it was designed.

Thats the Thomsons Gold.
The ordinary stuff in the red tin is fine for fabrics.

[RumbleBee]

For cleaning the roof I have found that the hot shampoo jet lance works really well. Blasts out the dust and bird poo perfectly without damaging the fibres. The only time I would recommend taking one of those near your car. Warning, also removes the waterproofing - hence my question about Renovo waterproofer.

Thanks for all your comments.

[cjs]

Used Thompson Water Seal many times over the past 7 years, it works a treat just stinks for a few days after application. It's cheap as well!

[D Stanley]

If you go to a large camping outlet you will find that Fabsil do a tent cleaning product. This is intended for use on canvas tents. All you need is a bucket and a soft plactic scrubbing brush. Wash with the grain according to the instructions. Your roof will come up like new and you will be very surprised at the gunk that runs out.

After cleaning a clothes brush works very well but I also find that one of the sticky lint rolers that you get from dry cleaners does a great job of finishing off.

In the camping store you will also find tubes of seam sealer. You can add extra waterproofing by smearing a thin layer around the stitching on the inside. This only takes a few minutes and is probably a once only application.

Finally paint on the Graingers Fabsil with a clean paint brush. It is like painting with water and it only makes the fabric slightly darker. On a coloured hood this should be fine. Once you are done the water will actually bead on the fabric.

I repeat the cleaning and proofing avery year in the spring. Mt car is always completely dry inside.

Have fun!